Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Wyoming and is a great place to visit for nature lovers and bird watchers alike.


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Summary

The refuge is known for its diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests, which provide a home to a wide variety of wildlife species.

Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking trails throughout the refuge, as well as bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the points of interest include the riparian areas along the North Platte River, which are home to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other bird species. The refuge is also home to elk, deer, bison, and other mammals, which can be seen throughout the year.

One interesting fact about Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge is that it was originally established in the 1930s as a waterfowl refuge, and was later expanded to include a wider range of habitats and wildlife species. The refuge is also part of a larger network of protected areas in the region, including nearby Medicine Bow National Forest and Seminoe State Park.

The best time of year to visit Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge depends on the activities and wildlife species that visitors are interested in seeing. Spring and summer are great times for bird watching and wildlife viewing, while fall is a popular time for hunting and fishing. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as viewing wintering bald eagles along the river.

Overall, Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty and wildlife of Wyoming.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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